French Ambassador to Yemen Jean-Marie Safa said that the Houthis were their own enemies, warning the Iranian-backed group of the growing gap with the Yemeni people. He also stressed that negotiations were in their interest, pointing to a “historic opportunity” to achieve peace in the country. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Safa highlighted some obstacles put in place by the Houthis in the recent peace efforts, especially in the issue of salaries.
The lack of camaraderie between Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi stemmed from their distinct personalities, with the latter nurturing a delusion of being the rightful leader of the Arab world. Differences and tensions between the two leaders were exacerbated by Libya’s alliance with Iran during their war with Iraq. Similarly, Saddam’s relationship with Hafez Al-Assad was characterized by animosity, fueled by fierce competition between the Baathist regimes, as well as the countries and capitals they represented. Adding to the tension was Syria’s alignment with Iran.
Middle-East Arab News and Opinion - Asharq Al-Awsat is the world’s premier pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed simultaneously each day on four continents in 14 cities
Australia hold on to a narrow first-half lead to pick up a crucial victory over Tunisia that keeps alive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup last 16.